Whose role is it to determine if charges should be brought against a suspect in Texas?

In Texas, the determination of whether to bring charges against a suspect primarily falls to the prosecutor. Once the prosecutor reviews the evidence and considers the law, they decide whether there is sufficient basis to file charges. In situations where a case is presented to a grand jury, their role is to evaluate the evidence provided by the prosecutor to determine if there is probable cause to formally indict the suspect.

While the grand jury does have an essential function in the process of deciding if there is enough evidence to support formal charges, it is important to note that the grand jury's role is not to initiate charges independently but rather to assess the prosecutor's recommendations. Therefore, it is ultimately the prosecutor who plays the key role in determining if charges will be brought against a suspect in Texas, making that the correct answer.

Judges can oversee legal proceedings and ensure due process but do not initiate or decide on charging decisions. Similarly, defense attorneys advocate for their clients but do not have the authority to bring charges.